I myself have one turtle. He is fine; setup is fine ..
But what troubles me always is that is it ethical to imprison/cage or devoid the turtles of their natural environment??
Let's face, no matter what size tank/pond you get, it is not natural and there are still strings attached.
If you take care of them better than what they would have in the wild, then yes. If you have them in a tank that is too small, without a heat lamp and UVB light and you forget to feed them, then no.
My snakes are guaranteed meals, my tortoises always have a variety of grasses and hays and get veggies, live in natural, outdoor enclosures ... they have nothing that is going to eat them, they are in great health ...
And when people who keep things in captivity breed their animals, it conserves the wild ones, it lessons the need to strip out the eco system.
Good point, but you say you have a turtle in a cage as well. So, what are you getting at? Are you having second thoughts about owning a pet turtle? Of course it would be better if we all left the turtles alone in their natural habitat but we're humans and we're not happy unless we are destroying habitat for ourselves.
Is it ethical to domesticate wild animals in the first place? It's all in your point of view.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com If it bothers you to keep him locked up then no. If you can live with the idea that his life is a healthier one for your intervention, then yes.
Keep this in mind. Mankind has been capturing, domesticating and utilizing wild creatures since the dawn of man. If your creatures are kept content, healthy and have all their needs met (including companionship.some need a buddy) then no worries, if you are not happy or content in keeping said creatures, then my best advice is to not keep one.
I'm sure it's rough living twice your normal lifespan, having guaranteed meals everyday, no predators ... yep ... life's rough
